CVE-2000-1005 in WebStore
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in html_web_store.cgi and web_store.cgi CGI programs in eXtropia WebStore allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack on the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-1005 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting eXtropia WebStore's html_web_store.cgi and web_store.cgi CGI applications. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file access routines. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the page parameter receives malicious input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or similar constructs that manipulate the file system path resolution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the page parameter within the CGI scripts, where the application directly incorporates user input into file path operations without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker submits a crafted URL containing directory traversal sequences, the CGI program processes these inputs and attempts to access files in the file system using the modified path. This allows unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, or even system binaries that should remain protected from external access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to the confidentiality and integrity of the affected web server environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive files such as database credentials, configuration files containing administrative passwords, or even system files that could provide further attack vectors. The vulnerability enables a remote attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate privileges or extract confidential information from the target system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it may provide attackers with insights into the system architecture, application logic, and potential additional vulnerabilities within the environment.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and access control mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices where user input is directly used in file system operations without proper sanitization. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through exploitation of insecure file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability also relates to the broader category of insecure direct object references and inadequate input validation that frequently appear in web applications.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous validation before being processed in file system operations, with special attention to removing or encoding directory traversal sequences such as .. or similar constructs. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for acceptable page parameters, combined with proper path normalization and absolute path resolution, would effectively prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for web application files, combined with regular security audits and input validation testing, would significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts and provide additional layers of defense against such attacks.